Jon Husted

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Campaigns on his state record, saying that as House speaker he passed a balanced budget with what was then the largest income tax cut in Ohio history, and as lieutenant governor led efforts to attract major economic projects, including Intel's Licking County plant.[1],[2]
• Cites his personal story of starting life in foster care before being adopted, which he says shapes his public service.[2],[3]
• Describes himself as "an Ohio guy, not a D.C. guy."[4]
• Says that in his first year in the Senate he helped pass tax cuts, secured funding for Ohio projects, and had three of his bills signed into law.[5]

Background

• U.S. Senator (appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine; took office Jan. 21, 2025), U.S. Senate · 2025–present[1],[3]
• Lieutenant Governor; also director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation and overseer of InnovateOhio and the Common Sense Initiative, State of Ohio · 2019–2025[1],[3]
• Secretary of State, State of Ohio · 2011–2019[1]
• State Senator, Ohio Senate · 2009–2011[1]
• State Representative (Speaker of the House, 2005–2009), Ohio House of Representatives · 2001–2009[1]
• Vice President for Economic Development, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce · Beginning 1997[1],[3]
• Commission assistant to Commissioner Don Lucas, Montgomery County Commission · 1993–1997[1]

Education

• Bachelor's degree, Education, University of Dayton (1989)[1],[3]
• Master's degree, Communications, University of Dayton (1993)[1],[3]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Supported the 2025 federal tax and budget law, which he calls the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, citing a higher standard deduction, no tax on tips or overtime, a $2,200 child tax credit, and an added deduction for seniors.[5],[6]
• Health Care
  Says he supports "some kind of extension" of the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits if both parties agree on conditions, including limiting them to U.S. citizens. His SMART OTC Act, to speed approval of prescription drugs for over-the-counter sale, became law.[7],[5]
• Social Security & Medicare
  Points to the 2025 tax law's added senior deduction, saying a couple on Social Security would receive a $12,000 tax deduction.[6]
• Economy & Jobs
  Says refunds of tariff payments should go back to the businesses that paid them.[6]
• Energy & Environment
  Sponsored the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require companies building data centers to pay for the added electricity and infrastructure costs they create.[8]
• Immigration
  Supports funding for border security and immigration enforcement. In February 2026 he called for a "reset" in Minneapolis and for restoring public trust in how ICE operates, while leaving decisions on DHS leadership to President Trump.[5],[9]
• Abortion
  Describes himself as a "champion for life," citing his adoption. At a January 2026 Senate committee hearing he spoke in favor of requiring an in-person visit before the abortion pill mifepristone is dispensed.[2],[10]
• Public Safety
  Says he has secured funding for law enforcement. Introduced the CHAT Act, which would require age verification and parental consent for minors using AI companion chatbots and block minors from sexually explicit chatbot content.[3],[11]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words